The attorneys at Morningstar Law Group are leaders who are frequently asked to share their legal insights and expertise. Here is a sampling of the wisdom our attorneys are sharing at industry conferences, in published articles, and at continuing legal education events.

Insight

Dumbing Down Some of the Privacy and Security Risks Associated With Smart Devices

March 25, 2020

Bluetooth sunglasses, temperature-controlled insulated bottles, voice-controlled dishwashers and other kitchen appliances, smart TVs, and doorbell cameras are just a handful of examples of the many everyday items that have been enhanced with “smart” capabilities to better fit within our increasingly connected and convenience-centric society. As we intensify our reliance on such “smart” Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices, […]

Insight

2019 CLE: CCPA Takeaways

May 10, 2019

At Morningstar Law Group’s annual CLE program, Orla O’Hannaidh, a Data Privacy and Security Attorney with Red Hat, provided a list of the key takeaways from the CCPA. Click here to review her presentation.

Insight

What CEOs and Other Executives Can Learn from the Equifax Data Security Breach Fiasco

September 12, 2017

by Richard J. Caira, Jr. Last week there was yet another massive data breach of an ostensible industry bastion – Atlanta-based credit bureau Equifax – resulting in the loss of the personally-identifiable information of over 143 million people in the United States. For perspective, the entire U.S. population is currently around 325 million, of which […]

Insight

Client Alert: New FTC Acting Chairman Signals More Pro-Business Approach

February 8, 2017

By Jennifer Van Doren Following President Trump’s designation of Maureen J. Ohlhausen as Acting Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, many businesses are breathing a hopeful sigh of relief.  Ohlhausen has been a Commissioner since April 4, 2012, in a term that ends in September 2018. Since her designation as Acting Chairman, Ohlhausen has signaled that […]

Insight

Promotions and Data Privacy: What are the Risks?

July 29, 2016

By Catherine Otto Sweepstakes are a great way to build interest in your business or product. Consumers seem to be more than willing to hand over their personal information (in the form of name, email address and phone number) for the chance to win a gift card, free merchandise or free tickets. Sweepstakes are fun, […]

Insight

"Everything as a Service" Contracts

January 20, 2016

Randy Whitmeyer recently presented the following CLE to members of the ACC at CAM Raleigh. We hope that you find this subject informative and useful. “Everything as a Service” Contracts – Presentation from MorningstarLaw

Insight

The Laws of Cloud Computing: Online Privacy for Children

May 7, 2015

Online privacy for children is another area where federal legislation and regulations set certain requirements applicable to the cloud. The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (“COPPA”) was primarily directed towards websites that collect information from users under age 13. As cloud-computing has expanded in the years since COPPA was enacted, the Federal Trade […]

Insight

The Laws of Cloud Computing: Cloud Security and Data Privacy Laws in the United States

April 16, 2015

In the third installment of our series on the Laws of Cloud Computing, we take a look at the United States, where the laws of cloud computing, most notably data privacy laws, are varied and originate from numerous sources, both state and federal. At the federal level, regulation has largely been field-specific, providing detailed standards for […]

Insight

The Laws of Cloud Computing: Business Issues Arising From Cloud Computing

April 8, 2015

Businesses are increasingly relying on cloud servers to store electronic data in which other entities or individuals have legally recognized interests. Types of sensitive electronic data now regularly stored in the cloud include: patient medical records; banking and financial records for individuals and businesses; and students’ academic performance records, test scores, etc., from elementary through […]

Insight

Managed Service Provider (MSP) Contract Issues

October 15, 2014

As more and more IT service providers, such as systems integrators and value added resellers, take steps to transition from “hourly-based” project and reactionary services to recurring, “fixed fee” proactive managed services, it is imperative that they adopt a clear and concise Managed Services (MSP) services contract. A carefully thought out and constructed contract can provide the MSP […]